Bringing in Christmas with Mildmay’s Carol Concert

There is something very special about the atmosphere that brings together Mildmay’s Christmas carol concert and it wasn’t only Stephanie Beacham who remarked on this!

Of course so many elements come together to make this such an extraordinary and professional event – blend together host Canon Roger Royle’s unique humour and thought provoking eloquence, the artists that bring readings, music and song and laughter, Diversity Choir who each year soar to new heights, a wonderful audience, beautiful venue and of course our fabulous Day Therapy choir and you have a unique and beautiful evening.

This year Spitalfields Church in East London, a stones throw from Mildmay’s UK hospital, was filled to capacity and Mildmay were delighted. Kerry Reeves-Kneip director of fundraising and communications said: “ None of this would be possible without the performers and volunteers who help us to create this must-go-to Christmas event and to all who come to support and enjoy a very special evening. This is an important fundraiser for our charity and as well as vital funds helps us to raise awareness around HIV. We are beyond grateful to everyone involved and of course we are looking forward to next year!”
Performers this year included: Host Canon Roger Royle, Diversity Choir, Richard Arnold, Stephanie Beacham, Classical Reflection, The Flicks, sally Harrison, Robert Powell, Linda Robson and David Wong and the total raised for the charity was around £10,000.

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We are so pleased to announce that Mildmay’s volunteer co-ordinator role has been funded for the next three years by The Big Lottery Fund – reaching communities programme -

Mildmay Hospital’s band of volunteers play an essential part of Mildmay's team, supporting and enriching our work to transform the lives of our patients with complex HIV.

Our volunteer co-ordinator Dominic provides a vital link between volunteers and our organisation. As well as carrying out initial interviews and making sure the right role fits the right person, his support is on-going, ensuring our volunteers benefit as much as we do from the precious gift they give of their time and skills.

Dominic said: “For me the most rewarding part of my role is seeing volunteers develop in confidence over time. When people first start they are often understandably a bit nervous and it is great to see their personalities really start to shine through as they grow into the role.”

Volunteer opportunities at Mildmay range from working on the wards, in our gym, in our Chaplaincy team-which is made-up almost entirely of volunteers, supporting Day Therapy, including garden, art therapies and the music group. There are also exciting events that Mildmay would find impossible to deliver without volunteer support, such as Pride in London and our annual Christmas carol concert.

Volunteering at Mildmay can sometimes be challenging as our patient needs are complex, but the reward to be found in the knowledge that your input has made a real difference to the lives and recovery of patients are ten-fold. There is also an important social side to volunteering. Dominic arranges a yearly volunteering thank you BBQ which staff join, such events even uncover some hidden musical talents! Of course, there are also Christmas get-togethers and regular news updates to keep that volunteer ball rolling!

Dominic brings humour, compassion and great skill to his role and ensures our volunteers find their time at Mildmay rewarding and enjoyable and our patients get the very best out of this important relationship. He also works to make sure we maintain a diversity of ages, backgrounds and skills to reflect the range of patents we support.

Quite simply we could not achieve all we do without our volunteers and Dominic in his role as volunteer co-ordinator.

We are so grateful that the Big Lottery has funded this post for a further three years.

Here are just a few comments made by some of our patients -

“I do Lumosity (brain training software) which is helping me get my memory back. Our volunteer has helped me such a lot and is so kind and patient.”

“The volunteers help me to wheel my chair to the garden project because I can’t wheel it on the pavement. I love the garden project and the garden is a fantastic and important place”

“Jane is a very good, loving and caring person, she helps us and gives us advice on benefits and updates us on what the government are doing.

“The chaplaincy volunteers are wonderful and they bring the message of God to us. They respect me, make me happy and feel important and are my good friends.”

To find out more about volunteering at Mildmay and the opportunities on offer please email volunteer.coordinator@mildmay.org ... See MoreSee Less

Taking place on every second Friday of the month, we are proud to host the Friday Supper Club - a monthly club for LGBT people aged 50+

Run by Opening Doors London (ODL), the monthly club provides a three-course meal for just £6.50! A friendly and fun group for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal with some lively conversation. Supported by fantastic volunteers, we welcome new faces. Come and join us!

The next Friday Supper Club is this Friday - 8th February - from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. 😊

Come and join us! Book your place by calling 0207 239 0400. ... See MoreSee Less

Siaya county in Kenya is a poor region that falls far behind the national progress made in fighting HIV. The burden of HIV in Siaya stands at 24.8%. In the province where Siaya County is located, 6.2%...

Great #bluesky meeting today with some of our team wearing blue for the occasion! Planning and looking forward, to infinity and beyond Thanks to @Clearcast for your generous support in loaning us a meeting room for the occasion. ... See MoreSee Less